DUI/DWI offenders in Ithaca, NY. are occasionally given the opportunity to participate in a drug treatment program instead of penalties for their alcohol or drug related criminal offenses. Penalties for these kinds of offenses can often be very serious, including being locked up in jail and serious fines and various absorbitant costs associated with being in court for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Often, specifically for new offenders, the judge will decide that treating the issues of drug or alcohol abuse in drug rehab is will prove more effective in the long term for effectively addressing the problem. For DUI/DWI offenders in Ithaca, NY. that are lucky enough to be permitted to participate in such treatment in lieu of other far more extreme punishment, a great number will remain out of the criminal justice system permanently.